Good Breath Gone Bad!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are a couple common myths and the truth behind it all:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better
Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath
Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out.

TRUTH #1: The single most effective way to combat bad breath is to brush, floss, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings.
Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit your dentist every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh!

TRUTH #2: Bad breath can be a symptom of an oral infection.
For more information on early detection and treatment of oral infections, be sure to visit The Oravital™ System website, or give Drs. Rob and Jerome a call at 1-877-301-3380.

The Smile Zone, protecting you from cavities

With Halloween only two weeks away, Dr. Rob and Dr. Jerome know that there will soon be many tricks and treats! While this festive holiday is full of costumes and fun activities, it can also be a harmful time for the teeth of our Edmonton, AB young trick-or-treaters.

With all of the sugary, sticky, and chewy treats that are often shared with trick-or-treaters, it is important to follow these simple tips to prevent cavities this Halloween:




• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

For more information on cavities and your oral health, don’t hesitate to ask Drs. Rob or Jerome at your next appointment.

The Smile Zone announces our HUGE upcoming whitening specials!

Drs. Rob and Jerome and our team at The Smile Zone in Edmonton, AB are excited to announce our upcoming whitening specials! This Nov.15 - 18 and Dec. 20-23 we are offering both our in-office and take home whitening specials.




The in-office whitening will be $249.00 and our take home whitening will be offered for $99.00 during the specific dates of the special.

Don't hesitate to contact us now to take schedule your whitening appointment!

Drs. Rob and Jerome remind patients about the importance of good oral hygiene

At the Smile Zone, we just can't believe September is already over. It's fall; the leaves are turning color, the weather is crisp and cool today, October 1st, marks the official start of National Dental Hygiene Month, a time for Drs. Rob and Jerome (and our staff) to raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy beautiful smile.

This year's theme is “Healthy Habits are Easier than You Think,” which focuses on prevention. At The Smile Zone, we know everyone is busy; living a life on-the-go is difficult for most people, but our staff is here to tell you keeping a healthy mouth shouldn’t be.

Your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet, and visiting our convenient Edmonton office on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the ADHA's National Dental Hygiene Month website, which provides pointers on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, is it time that you schedule an appointment at The Smile Zone? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call at (280)-989-5733 to set up an appointment.

Ask Drs. Rob and Jerome: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says The Smile Zone Drs. Rob and Jerome. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

The Smile Zone is a certified Invisalign provider in Edmonton, AB. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

Smile, and you might just live longer!

Folks with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Drs. Rob and Jerome have known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting The Smile Zone on a regular basis? If not, give us a call!

Take care of your gums! From Drs. Rob and Jerome

Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be difficult to recognize. Many people do not recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums - as a precursor to gum disease. This month, a campaign is underway to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we at The Smile Zone wanted to do our part to help spread the word!

Early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as the heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease. These can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our office as soon as possible. We can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.